2007 Michigan Wolverines College Football Team Preview
by Jerald of Predictem.com
Head Coach Lloyd Carr, 13th year
2006 Record 11-2 straight up, 8-4 ATS
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Conference 2nd in Big 10
Offense
In 2006 the offense averaged 189 yards rushing (4.47 yards per rush) and 186 yards passing while scoring an average of 30.2 points per game. The Wolverines will be led by Senior Chad Henne who has been starting since his freshman year. Last year Henne threw for 2,508 yards and 22 touchdowns. The rushing attack will be led by Mike Hart who rushed for 1,562 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Junior receiver Mario Manningham is a big-time explosive receiver who will stretch the defense.
Defense
In 2006 the defense gave up an average of 43 yards rushing (1.86 yards per rush) and 211 yards passing while giving up 14.6 points per game. The defense will be rebuilding in 2007 and appears to be the weakness of the team. The backfield, which struggled last season, lost their best player to the NFL draft. There will be many newcomers to this unit and their success will determine how far the Wolverines can go this year.
Grading the units:
Offense A+
Defense B
Special Teams C
Prediction
Most online college football bookies have the over/under on the season wins at 10 wins. The Wolverines have home non-conference games with Oregon and Notre Dame and tough home conference games against Penn State and Ohio State. They also have to travel to Wisconsin. We expect Michigan to be a good team but with this schedule it is tough to see them getting to 11 wins with all the defensive replacements that are needed. We call for a wager on under 10 wins for the 2007 season.